VA agrees to return reporter's sound equipment

[babylonsister]

VA agrees to return reporter's sound equipment

HOPE YEN | April 10, 2009 08:43 PM EST | AP


WASHINGTON — Amid protest from a reporters group, the Veterans Affairs Department agreed late Friday to return a radio journalist's recording equipment that it had seized four days earlier as he attempted to interview an injured veteran about VA health care.

In a written statement to The Associated Press, VA spokeswoman Katie Roberts said the department "regrets this incident occurred" and as a result would hand back the flash drive that it took from WAMU reporter David Schultz at the VA Medical Center in Washington. WAMU is a National Public Radio affiliate in the capital.

"After reviewing all the facts surrounding the incident of April 7th and actions since, VA has arranged the return of the flash drive to WAMU," Roberts said. "We make every effort to protect the privacy of our patients and to ensure that they are able to make informed decisions about what information they release or discuss with the public while in a VA facility."

"The Department of Veterans Affairs regrets this incident occurred as we appreciate the interest of the press in covering veterans' issues," she added.

Schultz attended the public forum on Tuesday night that was held at the VA medical center's auditorium to allow veterans to express concerns about the quality of their care. After one veteran spoke, Schultz invited him into the hallway for a recorded interview.

They were then interrupted by Gloria Hairston, a hospital public affairs officer, who said Schultz could not do the interview. Hairston demanded that Schultz hand over his recording equipment unless both he and the veteran signed consent forms allowing reporters to conduct interviews on VA property.

more...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20090410/veterans-seized-tape/

[Canuckistanian]

1. "You have to give me all of your equipment or I'm going to get ugly"

That's what Hairston said, according to David Schultz:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/10/reporter-david-schultz-ha_n_185654.html

[Festivito]

2. Armed robbery, conspiracy, and no due process. Yikes! /nt